Director, Customs Compliance - Licensed Broker

FreightTAS•Houston, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Customs Compliance (Licensed Customs Broker) leads the company's customs brokerage function and ensures all import activities meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. This role provides senior-level expertise, oversees entry accuracy and timeliness, and maintains strong internal processes and controls. You will work closely with the General Manager to maintain a compliant, efficient, and well-structured operation while serving as the primary licensed authority for customs matters. This is not a purely strategic role—you will also share responsibility for customs-related operational coordination to ensure smooth shipment flow and strong customer support.

Requirements

Active U.S. Customs Broker License
Extensive experience in customs brokerage and compliance
Strong knowledge of CBP regulations, HTS classification, valuation, PGA requirements, and entry processes
Proven leadership or supervisory experience
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Fully on-site in Houston

Nice To Haves

Experience in logistics, freight forwarding, or related operations
Familiarity with ACE, ABI software, and related systems (Magaya preferred)
Experience developing or improving SOPs and compliance programs

Responsibilities

Serve as the company's Licensed Customs Broker, reviewing and signing entries as required
Oversee all brokerage activities to ensure full CBP compliance
Review documentation, classifications, valuations, and PGA requirements
Monitor regulatory changes and communicate updates internally and to clients
Resolve escalated customs issues, discrepancies, and compliance concerns
Support internal audits, post-entry processes, and corrective actions
Supervise, mentor, and develop the customs brokerage team
Provide guidance and training on classification, valuation, and regulatory requirements
Ensure adherence to SOPs, workflows, and quality standards
Support onboarding and training of new team members
Manage import/export shipments from pre-alert through customs clearance and release
Review shipping documents (commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading)
Coordinate clearance activities and resolve documentation issues or holds
Communicate daily with clients, carriers, warehouses, and overseas agents
Support operations with customs-specific inquiries for active shipments or new prospects
Collaborate with the General Manager to develop, implement, and enforce SOPs
Improve compliance accuracy, operational efficiency, and team capability
Participate in special projects related to regulatory changes or process optimization
Attend monthly HCBFFA board meetings and luncheons as the company's primary compliance representative
Maintain professional development and industry awareness